UPSC ESE Previous Year Papers are essential study resources for candidates preparing for the Engineering Services Examination 2027. Previous papers help aspirants understand the actual examination format, question difficulty, recurring concepts, numerical problems, time requirements and the way UPSC frames engineering questions.
The Union Public Service Commission publishes the official Engineering Services Examination question papers on its website. Candidates can download the latest papers for 2026, 2025 and 2024 directly from UPSC.
The Engineering Services Examination covers four engineering disciplines:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
The Preliminary Examination contains one common General Studies and Engineering Aptitude paper and one technical paper for each engineering discipline. The Main Examination contains two conventional papers for each engineering discipline.
This page provides the latest three years of UPSC ESE question papers in a clean year-wise and paper-wise format, with an individual download link for every paper.
UPSC ESE Previous Year Papers: Latest 3 Years
The latest three completed ESE examination years are 2026, 2025 and 2024.
| Year | Prelims Papers | Mains Papers | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 8 | 13 |
| 2025 | 5 | 8 | 13 |
| 2024 | 5 | 8 | 13 |
| Total | 15 | 24 | 39 |
UPSC’s official Previous Question Papers repository separately lists these papers by examination, year, engineering discipline and paper number.
UPSC ESE 2026 Previous Year Question Papers
UPSC has published the Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 papers and the Engineering Services (Main) Examination 2026 papers.
The 2026 Main papers were uploaded by UPSC on 22 June 2026.
UPSC ESE 2026 Prelims Question Papers
1. General Studies & Engineering Aptitude
This is the common Paper-I for all ESE engineering disciplines.
Paper: General Studies and Engineering Aptitude
Stage: Preliminary Examination
Year: 2026
| General Studies and Engineering Aptitude 2026 | Download |
2. Civil Engineering
Paper: Civil Engineering Paper-II
Stage: Preliminary Examination
Year: 2026
| Civil Engineering Paper 2026 | Download |
3. Mechanical Engineering
Paper: Mechanical Engineering Paper-II
Stage: Preliminary Examination
Year: 2026
| Mechanical Engineering Paper 2026 | Download |
4. Electrical Engineering
Paper: Electrical Engineering Paper-II
Stage: Preliminary Examination
Year: 2026
| Electrical Engineering Paper 2026 | Download |
5. Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Paper: Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Paper-II
Stage: Preliminary Examination
Year: 2026
| Electronics & Telecommunication Engg Paper 2026 | Download |
UPSC’s official repository lists these five papers under Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026.
UPSC ESE 2026 Mains Question Papers
The ESE Main Examination has two conventional papers for each engineering discipline.
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering Paper-I
| Civil Engineering Mains Paper -1 (2026) | Download |
Civil Engineering Paper-II
| Civil Engineering Paper – 2 (2026) | Download |
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Paper-I
| Mechanical Engineering Paper-I (2026) | Download |
Mechanical Engineering Paper-II
| Mechanical Engineering Paper-II (2026) | Download |
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering Paper-I
| Electrical Engineering Paper-I (2026) | Download |
Electrical Engineering Paper-II
| Electrical Engineering Paper-II (2026) | Download |
Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Electronics & Telecommunication Paper-I
| Electronics & Telecommunication Paper-I (2026) | Download |
Electronics & Telecommunication Paper-II
| Electronics & Telecommunication Paper-II (2026) | Download |
UPSC’s official ESE 2026 Main Examination page confirms that all eight papers were uploaded on 22 June 2026.
UPSC ESE 2025 Previous Year Question Papers
The UPSC ESE 2025 collection contains five Preliminary papers and eight Main papers. UPSC lists each paper separately in its official repository.
UPSC ESE 2025 Prelims Question Papers
1. General Studies & Engineering Aptitude
| General Studies & Engineering Aptitude Paper 2025 | Download |
2. Civil Engineering
| Civil Engineering Paper 2025 | Download |
3. Mechanical Engineering
| Mechanical Engineering Paper 2025 | Download |
4. Electrical Engineering
| Electrical Engineering Paper 2025 | Download |
5. Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
| Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering Paper 2025 | Download |
UPSC ESE 2025 Mains Question Papers
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering Paper-I
| Civil Engineering Paper –I | Download |
Civil Engineering Paper-II
| Civil Engineering 2025 Paper – II | Download |
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Paper-I
| Mechanical Engineering 2025 Paper -I | Download |
Mechanical Engineering Paper-II
| Mechanical Engineering 2025 Paper-II | Download |
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering Paper-I
| Electrical Engineering Paper-I 2025 | Download |
Electrical Engineering Paper-II
| Electrical Engineering Paper-II 2025 | Download |
Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Electronics & Telecommunication Paper-I
| Electronics & Telecommunication Paper-I 2025 | Download |
Electronics & Telecommunication Paper-II
| Electronics & Telecommunication Mains Paper-II 2025 | Download |
UPSC ESE 2024 Previous Year Question Papers
The UPSC ESE 2024 papers are the third year included in this collection. UPSC’s official repository lists five Preliminary papers and eight Main papers for the examination.
UPSC ESE 2024 Prelims Question Papers
1. General Studies & Engineering Aptitude
| General Studies & Engineering Aptitude Paper 2024 | Download |
2. Civil Engineering
| Civil Engineering Paper 2024 | Download |
3. Mechanical Engineering
| Mechanical Engineering Paper 2024 | Download |
4. Electrical Engineering
| Electrical Engineering Paper 2024 | Download |
5. Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
| Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering Paper 2024 | Download |
UPSC ESE 2024 Mains Question Papers
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering Paper-I
| Civil Engineering Paper-I 2024 | Download |
Civil Engineering Paper-II
| Civil Engineering Paper-II 2024 | Download |
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Paper-I
| Mechanical Engineering Paper-I 2024 | Download |
Mechanical Engineering Paper-II
| Mechanical Engineering Paper-II 2024 | Download |
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering Paper-I
| Electrical Engineering Paper-I 2024 | Download |
Electrical Engineering Paper-II
| Electrical Engineering Paper-II 2024 | Download |
Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Electronics & Telecommunication Paper-I
| Electronics & Telecommunication Paper-I 2024 | Download |
Electronics & Telecommunication Paper-II
| Electronics & Telecommunication Paper-II 2024 | Download |
UPSC ESE Previous Year Papers: Paper-Wise Download Table
For readers who want a quick download section, the complete collection can also be presented as follows:
| Year | Stage | Engineering / Paper | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Prelims | General Studies & Engineering Aptitude | Download PDF |
| 2026 | Prelims | Civil Engineering | Download PDF |
| 2026 | Prelims | Mechanical Engineering | Download PDF |
| 2026 | Prelims | Electrical Engineering | Download PDF |
| 2026 | Prelims | Electronics & Telecommunication | Download PDF |
| 2026 | Mains | Civil Paper-I | Download PDF |
| 2026 | Mains | Civil Paper-II | Download PDF |
| 2026 | Mains | Mechanical Paper-I | Download PDF |
| 2026 | Mains | Mechanical Paper-II | Download PDF |
| 2026 | Mains | Electrical Paper-I | Download PDF |
| 2026 | Mains | Electrical Paper-II | Download PDF |
| 2026 | Mains | Electronics & Telecommunication Paper-I | Download PDF |
| 2026 | Mains | Electronics & Telecommunication Paper-II | Download PDF |
| 2025 | Prelims | General Studies & Engineering Aptitude | Download PDF |
| 2025 | Prelims | Civil Engineering | Download PDF |
| 2025 | Prelims | Mechanical Engineering | Download PDF |
| 2025 | Prelims | Electrical Engineering | Download PDF |
| 2025 | Prelims | Electronics & Telecommunication | Download PDF |
| 2025 | Mains | Civil Paper-I | Download PDF |
| 2025 | Mains | Civil Paper-II | Download PDF |
| 2025 | Mains | Mechanical Paper-I | Download PDF |
| 2025 | Mains | Mechanical Paper-II | Download PDF |
| 2025 | Mains | Electrical Paper-I | Download PDF |
| 2025 | Mains | Electrical Paper-II | Download PDF |
| 2025 | Mains | Electronics & Telecommunication Paper-I | Download PDF |
| 2025 | Mains | Electronics & Telecommunication Paper-II | Download PDF |
| 2024 | Prelims | General Studies & Engineering Aptitude | Download PDF |
| 2024 | Prelims | Civil Engineering | Download PDF |
| 2024 | Prelims | Mechanical Engineering | Download PDF |
| 2024 | Prelims | Electrical Engineering | Download PDF |
| 2024 | Prelims | Electronics & Telecommunication | Download PDF |
| 2024 | Mains | Civil Paper-I | Download PDF |
| 2024 | Mains | Civil Paper-II | Download PDF |
| 2024 | Mains | Mechanical Paper-I | Download PDF |
| 2024 | Mains | Mechanical Paper-II | Download PDF |
| 2024 | Mains | Electrical Paper-I | Download PDF |
| 2024 | Mains | Electrical Paper-II | Download PDF |
| 2024 | Mains | Electronics & Telecommunication Paper-I | Download PDF |
| 2024 | Mains | Electronics & Telecommunication Paper-II | Download PDF |
The individual links above point directly to the corresponding UPSC-hosted PDF files, while the UPSC repository provides the master index for verification.
How to Use UPSC ESE Previous Year Papers
Downloading previous-year papers is only the first step. Candidates should use them as structured practice material.
Start with the latest paper and attempt it under actual examination conditions. Avoid checking solutions while solving the paper.
After completing the paper, analyse:
- Correct answers
- Incorrect answers
- Unattempted questions
- Calculation errors
- Conceptual mistakes
- Questions that consumed excessive time
- Topics requiring revision
This analysis is particularly useful for ESE because the examination combines technical depth with time pressure.
Use Prelims Papers for Speed and Accuracy
The Preliminary Examination is objective and includes negative marking. Candidates should therefore use previous papers to improve both solving speed and accuracy.
A useful sequence is:
2026 → 2025 → 2024
After solving each paper, revise the topics responsible for incorrect answers.
Use Mains Papers for Answer Writing
The Main Examination requires conventional/descriptive answers.
While practising Mains papers, candidates should focus on:
- Correct formulas
- Logical steps
- Derivations
- Numerical calculations
- Engineering diagrams
- Units
- Assumptions
- Presentation
- Time management
Candidates should not treat Mains papers as simply another set of objective questions.
UPSC ESE Previous Papers and Syllabus
Previous-year questions become much more useful when mapped against the official syllabus.
For a complete topic-wise guide, candidates can read our [UPSC ESE 2027 Exam Pattern and Syllabus] article.
After solving a paper, classify every question according to its syllabus topic. This makes it easier to identify subjects that require additional revision.
For example, a Civil Engineering candidate could classify questions under:
- Structural Engineering
- Strength of Materials
- Fluid Mechanics
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Hydrology
- Construction Management
- Surveying
This approach turns previous papers into a preparation roadmap rather than merely a collection of PDFs.
How Many Years of ESE Previous Papers Should You Solve?
For candidates preparing for ESE 2027, the latest three papers should form the first practice set:
ESE 2026 → ESE 2025 → ESE 2024
Candidates who have completed these papers can continue with older UPSC papers for additional practice.
Older papers can be especially useful for topic-wise practice and identifying concepts that have appeared repeatedly over several examination cycles.
Benefits of Solving UPSC ESE Previous Year Papers
Understand the Question Pattern
Official papers provide a direct picture of how UPSC frames questions.
Identify Important Concepts
Repeated themes across different years can help candidates identify concepts that deserve careful revision.
Improve Time Management
Timed practice shows whether a candidate can complete the paper within the prescribed duration.
Reduce Calculation Errors
Repeated numerical practice helps identify common calculation mistakes.
Strengthen Technical Concepts
Solving application-based questions forces candidates to move beyond memorising formulas.
Improve Mains Answer Writing
Conventional papers provide realistic practice for descriptive engineering answers.
UPSC ESE Previous Year Papers: Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| UPSC Previous Question Papers | Open Official UPSC Previous Question Papers |
| UPSC Official Website | Visit UPSC Official Website |
| UPSC ESE 2027 Exam Pattern & Syllabus | Check Syllabus and Exam Pattern Here |
| UPSC ESE 2027 Recruitment | UPSC ESE 2027 Notification Out, Apply Online for 480 Posts |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Where can I download UPSC ESE Previous Year Papers? |
|---|
| Candidates can download the official question papers from the UPSC Previous Question Papers section. The latest papers for ESE 2026, 2025 and 2024 are available separately by stage and engineering discipline. |
| Are UPSC ESE 2026 papers available? |
| Yes. UPSC has published five Preliminary papers and eight Main papers for ESE 2026. |
| Are UPSC ESE 2025 papers available? |
| Yes. The official UPSC repository contains five Preliminary papers and eight Main papers for ESE 2025. |
| Are UPSC ESE 2024 papers available? |
| Yes. UPSC has published five Preliminary papers and eight Main papers for ESE 2024. |
| How many Prelims papers are available for each ESE year? |
| Five papers are listed for the Preliminary Examination: one General Studies and Engineering Aptitude paper and four engineering-discipline papers. |
| How many Mains papers are available for each engineering discipline? |
| There are two conventional Main papers for each engineering discipline. |
| Which engineering disciplines are covered by UPSC ESE? |
| The four disciplines are Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering. |
| Should I solve the latest ESE paper first? |
| For ESE 2027 preparation, starting with the 2026 paper provides a recent benchmark. Candidates can then solve the 2025 and 2024 papers. |
| Are previous-year papers enough for ESE preparation? |
| No single resource is sufficient by itself. Previous papers should be combined with the official syllabus, conceptual study, revision, mock tests and answer-writing practice. |
| Should I solve both Prelims and Mains papers? |
| Yes. Prelims papers help with objective question-solving, speed and accuracy, while Mains papers help develop descriptive engineering answer-writing skills. |
The UPSC ESE Previous Year Papers 2026, 2025 and 2024 provide candidates with a substantial collection of official examination material for ESE 2027 preparation.
The collection includes 39 individual papers across the latest three completed ESE examination years. Candidates can download each paper separately for General Studies and Engineering Aptitude, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering.
The most effective way to use these papers is to solve them under timed conditions, analyse mistakes and connect every incorrect question with the relevant syllabus topic.
For ESE 2027 preparation, candidates should combine these official previous papers with the UPSC ESE 2027 Exam Pattern and Syllabus, regular revision, mock tests and disciplined answer-writing practice.